Box machine



y 1934- ,H. K. DICKERMANN El AL 1,957,059

BOX MACHINE Original Filed July 7, 1927 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR$ v Tfi vu.

A TTORNE YS.

May 1, 11934 H. K. DICKERMANN ET AL. L

BOX MACHINE Original Filed July '7, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 4d. 2 -INVENTOR3 7AM ATTORNEYS.

y 1934. H. K. DICKERMANN El AL 1,957,059

BOX MACHINE Original Filed July 7, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 ya INVENTORS, 85am AQUA AQU-AI- A TTORNEYS.

7 Sheets-Sheet 5 BOX MACHINE H. K. DICKERMANN ET AL Original Filed July 7'. 27

May 1, 1934.

L MNVENTORJ? B; m 71% M AQMMM' ATTORNEYS.

May 1, 3 H. K. DICKERMANN El AL 1,957,059

BOX MACHINE Original Filed July 7, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 /70 if? 5 l 2 y 1, 1934- H. K. DICKERMANN ET AL ,957,059

BOX MACHINE Original Filed July 7, 1927 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 IN V EN TORS,

ATTORNEYS.

Patented May 1, 1934 GFFEQE UNITED STATES ATE BOX MACHINE Application July 7, 1927, Serial No. 203,881 Renewed January 5, 1933 26 Claims. (Cl. 93- l) This invention relates to improvements in machines for making boxes, and more particularly, in some of its specific features, it relates to improvements in that class of box-making machines 5 adapted for making open-ended boxes or box parts from corner-cut blanks of paper or similar sheet material, with special reference to the making of paper boxes having a stiff body of cardboard, strawboard, or the like, covered with a thin paper finishing strip.

It is the general object of the invention to provide a machine of the class mentioned, of simple and improved construction, and operating automatically for rapidly and effectively shaping blanks of cardboard or the like to form openended boxes or box parts.

A further and more particular object of the invention is to provide, in a machine of the class mentioned, an improved and effective form of blank gripper for holding the box blank in position on the shaping head during formative operations upon said blank, without interference or obstruction to said operations.

A further object is to provide, in a machine of the class mentioned, a simple and effective pneumatic blank gripper or holder for holding portions of the blank in shaped condition during application of a binding and finishing strip which permanently binds the blank in shaped condition.

Another object is to devise a simple, improved arrangement for controlling the pneumatic energy for operation of the pneumatic blank gripper.

Another object of the invention is to devise an improved form of pneumatic control valve for connecting pneumatic energy to the rotary blank shaping head and to control said energy to hold or to release the box blank.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved break-down frame or plate 0 for a rotative box blank shaping die, which frame bends down the edges of the blank and yieldingly strongly presses them in contact with the periphery of the shaping die.

A further object is to provide an improved mechanism for folding and pressing into position upon a partly formed box blank, a binding and finishing strip which is caused to adhere in position.

Another object is to provide, in a machine of the class mentioned, an improved arrangement of the formative mechanisms for performing successive box forming and shaping operations.

Another object is to provide improved and effective formative mechanisms for performing shaping operations upon the box blanks.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved blank feeding and delivering mechanism for delivering the box blanks into position for a forming operation thereon.

Other objects will be in part obvious in connection with the following detailed description of an illustrative but preferred embodiment of the invention, and will be in part obvious in connection therewith.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference is had to the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment of the invention and to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the right side of a box making machine embodying the features of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a left side elevation thereof.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged rear elevation, parts being removed and parts being in section to facilitate the disclosure.

Figs. 4, 4A and 4B are sectional views showing, in elevation, different parts of the pneumatic control valve.

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view on line 55, Fig. 1, showing in elevation, the box gripping and forming mechanism.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, transverse, sectional elevation taken approximately on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1, parts being broken away for clearness of disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation taken approximately on the line 7-7, Fig. 1, disclosing, in elevation, the strip-cutting and applying mechanism.

Fig. 8 is a transverse, sectional elevation on the line 88, Fig. 1, showing, in elevation, the stripfolding and pressing mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a detail plan assembly view, parts being removed and in section to facilitate the disclosure.

Fig. 10 shows a detail in continuation of the right hand end of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional plan of a detail of the mechanism.

Fig. 1-2 is an enlarged fragmentary, perspective of the blank forming head or block, and the mechanism for effecting intermittent rotation thereof.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional eleblank at a plurality of operative stages.

vation of the blank shaping die and operative mechanisms therefor, the parts being positioned in an initial blank shaping operation.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13, showing the application of the finishing and binding strip to a partially formed box blank.

Figs. to 20, inclusive, are views similar to Figs. 13 and 1 showing dif erent successive stages of the box shaping and strip applying operations, and also showing some details of the operative mechanisms, and

Fig. 21 is a plan of a corner-cut box blank of the type utilized in the machine of this invention.

The invention is h rein disclosed as embodied in a box machine of the type which forms a box or box part from paper sheet material, such as strawboard, pasteboard, or cardboard, formed into blanks, preferably notched at their peripheral edges to provide corner-cut body blanks having a series of peripheral fiaps, or tabs, which are folded or bent, by operation of the machine, so as to lie at an angle to the body of the blank, thus forming side walls for the box. In the illustrative embodiment of the machine herein disclosed, a body blank T, as shown in Fig. 21, is utilized, being made of cardboard, stiff paper or the like, and cut away at its corners to provide, in effect, the flaps or tabs t. The opposite faces of the blank may be finished in any desired manner, but preferably one face is finished to provide the surfacing which is required for the box interior.

In the form of machine shown the formative operations are successively performed upon the These operations are first briefly referred to, in a preliminary Way, so as to present a general idea of some of the operative functions, before proceeding with the detailed disclosure.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 9, the blanks T are automatically transferred, one at a time, from a stack T, carried in a magazine of the blank supply device, into the first operative position or stage A, where each blank is then engaged by a die (Fig. 13) to fold or bend the flaps t to lie at an angle to the body part of the blank, so as to form the side walls of the box. The forming die includes a die or block mounted for longitudinal movement to carry the blank against a break-down frame which engages the blank flaps as the die head moves forwardly to effect the folding action. These flaps are held in their folded condition against the side faces of the die head by a pneumatic gripping or holding device; in this condition the blank is carried forward by forward movement of the die head to the next operative stage B, best shown in detail in Fig. 14. At stage 13 a binding and finishing strip S of thin paper, having an adhesive on the blank contacting side thereof, is wound around the outside of the flaps of the folded body blank, this action preferably being accomplished by a single complete revolution of the die head, which is effected by a stop mechanism shown in Fig. 12. The finishing strip S extends entirely around the box blank, being overlapped at the ends and also projected at both edges beyond the respective adjacent edges of the folded body blank.

At the next operative stage, that is, stage C, as best shown in l5 and 16, a former or folder is relatively moved into cooperative position with reference to the blank, either by moving the die head or by moving the former itself. Operation of the folding plates or fingers of the former then folds inwardly the edges of the gumined strip lying at the bottom of the body blank, and pressing and smoothing said edges into adhering contact with the bottom of the blank. The blank is then transferred to operative stage D, best shown in Figs. 8, 9, l7 and 20, where it is removed from the die head to a clamping support or blank holder, the die head then being retracted from this field of operation. The former folding plates are then again operated to fold inwardly the opposite edges of the gummed strip (Fig. 19) and thereafter the former and blank clamping support are relatively moved slightly toward each other (Fig. 20), thus folding the inwardly projecting strip edges into adhering contact with the inner surface of the body blank adjacent the top edges thereof. This operation folds the strip around the edges of the body blank, pressing it into adhering contact therewith and smoothing it against the blank. The box part is then ejected from the machine at stage E, as shown in Fig. 9.

A detailed description of the improved machine will now be given.

General power distribution system The general supporting base or framework is indicated at and supporting brackets 26, 27, and 28, are attached to and rise above this supporting base. its best shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 9, a sub or counter-shaft 29 is mounted in the base frame, be ng driven from a suitable power source by means of a belt 30 or other driving connection. The shaft 29 carries a driving gear 81 in mesh with a gear 32 carried by the principal power distribution shaft 33 mounted in the frame of the machine. A shaft 34, for driving the blank feed ing mechanism, is driven from the gear 32 through the idler gear 34 A toothed gear 35 is mounted on the shaft 33 ieshing with a gear 36 on a cam shaft 37, and gear 36 in turn meshes with a gear 38 on a second cam shaft 39.

The blank feeding mechanism As best shown in Figs. 1, 3, 6, and '7, the blanks T are stored in a stack T in a magazine 40, and are constantly urged forwardly in this magazine by a follower plate 41 positioned to move longitudinally in the magazine and to press against the rear end of the stack. This follower plate is constantly urged forwardly by means of an appropriate mechanism, that shown including a coiled spring or spring motor 42 mounted upon a transverse shaft 43 carrying a pair of spaced winding drums 44, connected by flexible connectors 45 to the follower plate 41 as shown. The follower plate 41 may be appropriately mounted for longitudinal, sliding movement upon the magazine, and there are preferably two flexible operating cords 45 connected to the follower plate at opposite ends thereof.

The blanks are preferably positioned vertically edgewise in the stack, as shown, whereby the leading blank is positioned in engagement with a reciprocating feeder plunger es mounted for vertical reciprocation in guide-ways 47. The plunger 46 is provided with a forwardly extending plate 6 normally lying in position to contact with the adjacent blank. This extension plate 46 is backed by up a shoulder or lug 48 positioned for engagement with the upper edge of a blank, when the plunger is fully retracted. This shoulder is just high enough to engage a single blank when the plunger is moved downwardly, so that only one blank is thus engaged and fed forwardly with each downward movement of the plunger.

A rock arm 49 is pivotally mounted on the support 47, being connected at one end by a link to the plunger, and at the outer end it is connected by means of a link or pitman 50 to an operating cam 51 (Figs. 1 and 6) carried by the operating shaft 39. ihe cam 39 has a peripherally cut away portion forming a seat 52 for cooperation with a cam roller 53, mounted at the lower end of the pitman 50. A spring 54 is connected to the feed plunger 46, being normally positioned to urge the plunger downwardly in blank feeding direction, while the plunger is positively retracted by engagement of the cam 51 with the roller 53 to move the link 50 downwardly.

At the bottom of the forward end of the blank magazine is a slot 55 (Figs. 1 and 6) through which the blanks are fed downwardl one by one, into the grip of a pair of cooperating feed rolls 56 mounted immediately below the forward end of the blank magazine. These feed rolls are mounted upon parallel shafts 57- connected together by intermeshing gears 58, while one shaft 57 is driven through a pair of intermeshing bevel gears 59, one of which is mounted upon one shaft 57, while the companion gear is mounted on driving shaft 34. It will be seen that the blanks will be started, one by one, by operation of the plunger to deliver them into the bite of the rolls 56, which are rotated in a direction to feed the blanks downwardly, so as to deliver them upon supports or lugs 60, which are positioned to hold the blank dir ctly in front of the die head which cooperates therewith for forming or shaping the blank. The feed plunger 46 is resiliently moved downwardly by action of the spring 54, bringing the shoulder 48 into engagement with the upper edge of a blank while the forward extension plate 45 functions as a guide and support for the blank in its downward movement. It will be seen that the plunger is successively supplies body blanks between the break-down frame and the die head.

The die construction As best shown in Figs. 6, 9, 12 and 13, the constri ction of the die for folding or similarly shaping the blank, includes a break-down frame 61 positioned adjacent to the blank supporting lugs 60, and a rotary and longitudinally reciprocal die head or plunger 62 initially positioned slightly forwardly of the blank supporting lugs 66 (Figs. 1 and 9).

The break-down frame includes a plate having an aperture therethrough. In the embodiment illustrated said aperture is rectangular and provided by yieldable tab folding devices. As shown, these devices include upper and lower spring plates 63 secured at their forward edges at or near the forward face of the break-down plate 61, and the rearwardly extending parts of these spring plates are positioned within the opening of the break-down frame. Adjustable brackets 54 (Figs. '7 and 9) may be secured to the two opposite lateral sides of the break-down frame, being provided with inner supporting bars or thickened parts to which are secured spring plates 65, similar to plate 63 and also similarly secured to the forward edges of the thickened supporting and positioned within the opening of the break-down frame. The four spring plates 63, 55 are thus arranged in a peripheral series around the opening of the break-down frame and are arranged in inclined position relatively to the axis of said opening, so that the rearward or trailing edges of the plates converge slightly toward each other. The spring plates are preferably of light spring metal of sufiicient stiffness, however, to fold the flaps t of the blank, so as to cause them to lie closely against the peripheral faces of the die head, and be firmly pressed thereagainst, the spring plates serving as resilient, tab-wiping, folding fingers. As clearly seen in Figs. 7 and 9 the spring plates are elongated at their free or strip pressing edges extending continuously across the ports 68 of the die (Fig. 12) so as to press the flaps or tabs 25 smoothly and firmly into position against the die-head. As illustrated, this break-down frame is stationary, being shown as supported upon the standard or bracket 27 by means of a plurality of supporting arms 66, which are disclosed in the form of bolts or rods havin adjustable connections 67 with the bracket 2'7, so as. to adjust the longitudinal position of the break-down frame.

The die head 62 is preferably in the form of a metallic block, shaped to correspond to the aperture of the break-down frame through which it passes, that is, rectangular in the embodiment shown. The die head is provided with passageways or pneumatic conduits 68 opening into the smooth peripheral faces of the head to provide pneumatic gripper ports in said faces and communicating with an inner central pneumatic conduit 59, as best shown in Figs. 6, 9 and 13. The conduit 69 is extended longitudinally through the die head supporting shaft or spindle 79, to communicate with a source of pneumatic energy through a control valve described below.

The die head is supported for rotary movement for reciprocal axial, or longitudinal, shift, or translatory, movement by being secured to the supporting spindle '73 mounted in bearings 71, '12 carried by the brackets 27, 28. The supporting spindle is axially slidable in both these hearings. The bearing 71 (Fig. 9) is of special construction, including a rotary sleeve 73 having a longitudinal internal slot for the reception of an elongated key or feather 74 seated and secured ithin a longitudinal slot formed in the outer surface of the spindle 70. This construction erznits axial sliding movement of the spindle within the sleeve '73, but constrains it for rotation therewith. The sleeve 73 is rotatable in a hub formed in the bracket 27, but is anchored against longitudinal movement therein.

A mutilated pinion 75 is fixed on the sleeve 73 meshing with a mutilated driving gear '76 mounted upon driving shaft 37. The mutilated gears 75 and 76 together form an intermittent stop movement and are proportioned so that the gear 75 and die head 62 are given exactly one complete revolution by operation of the driving gear 76, and then stopped and locked in position for an interval when the smooth surface 77 engages the complementary tooth or lug '78 formed on the pinion 75.

A rotary drum cam '79 is mounted upon shaft 3'], being provided with a peripheral cam slot 80 in which runs a cam lug or roller 81 carried by a sleeve 82 rotatively secured to the spindle 70 (see Figs. 9, 13 and 1a). A second guiding roller 83 may also be carried by the sleeve 82, which thus forms a cross head guide, the roller 83 running in a longitudinal slotted guideway S l for guiding and supporting the spindle 70 in its longitudinal shift movement. It will th re fore be seen that the die head and supporting spindle will be longitudinally reciprocated by rotation of the drum cam 79.

Pneumatic gripper and pneumatic control In connection with the pneumatic conduits 68 opening into the peripheral faces of the die head 62, a pneumatic control system is provided to connect the conduit 68 with a source of pneumatic energy, such as a vacuum pump or the like, whereby the gripper ports in the die head are automatically energized or de-energized at predetermined intervals in the operation of the machine. These ports are thus adapted to retain or hold the blank fiaps in folded condition against the peripheral face of the die head, and also to hold the blank in folded condition on the ie head while winding the finishing strip around the folded flaps t. Also the gripper ports restrain unfolding of the flaps after passage through the break-down frame. The pneumatic gripper with the control system therefor, forms a very important part of this invention.

The pneumatic system includes the conduit 69 extending longitudinally through the spindle from the die head to a control valve 85, preferably mounted upon the spindle 70. This conduit is formed by a tube 86 positioned within the inner longitudinal opening extending through the spindle, and forming the annular conduit space 69. The tube 86 is joined to the die head to form an air tight joint 87, and at its opposite end it is joined to the spindle by a union 88 forming an air-tight joint (see Figs. 10 and 18).

The control valve 85 for the pneumatic gripper system as best shown in Figs. l, A, 4B, 9 and 18, preferably includes a disk 89 connected to the supporting spindle and rotatable therewith, a disk 90 spaced from the rotary disk, and an intermediate controlling disk 91. The valve disk 90 is centrally transversely apertured to fit snugly upon the supporting spindle 70, and is anchored against rotation with the spindle by means of an anchor rod 92 supported by bracket 28, thus permitting turning of the spindle while the disk 90 is restrained against rotation. The intermediate or controlling disk 91 also fits snugly upon the spindle 70, but is rotatable thereon and may be turned through a limited angle by means of a valve controlling mechanism. This controlling mechanism includes a stud 93 secured to the disk 91 and carrying a peripherally grooved roller 94. A pair of parallel spaced operating rods 95 are positioned to seat within the groove of roller 94 at opposite sides thereof and are attached at their inner ends to an arm or projection 99, which may be formed upon the bearing sleeve 72. It will thus be seen that the roller 94 will slide idly upon the rods 95 during longitudinal movement of the supporting spindle 70. When, however, the arm 96 is swung, rods 95 will be correspondingly moved and the valve disk 91 will be rotated through a small angle. The swinging movement of the arm 96 may be effected by means of a cam 97 (Figs. 3, 9, 18) mounted on cam shaft 39 and operatively connected by a rock arm 98 carrying at its outer end a roller 99 and connected at its inner end to the arm 96 by means of a link 100. The cam 97 is constructed and timed to rotate the valve disk 91 at predetermined intervals to admit the vacuum supply or to cut it off from the die head.

The valve disks are provided with smooth contact faces which are held in close engagement with each other by means of a compression spring.

101 compressed between valve disk 90 and an abutment collar 102 secured to the supporting spindle 70. Air-tight joints are thus formed between the adjacent contacting valve disks. The valve disk 89 is formed on its inner face with a circular groove or passageway 103 forming a complete circle, and with two radial passageways 104 in communication with the passageway 103 and with the inner conduit 69, as shown in Fig. 4. The central or controlling disk 91 is provided with a port 105 extending transversely therethrough and positioned for communication at one end with the passageway 103 in the rotatable disk 89. The valve disk 90 is also provided at its inner face with an arcuate passageway 106 of approximately the same radius as that of passageway 103 and lying against the face of the control disk 91. The passageway 106 may be considerably less than 360 degrees in extent, leaving an ungrooved part 107. It will thus be seen that the passageway or port 105 remains in communication with the circular passageway 103 in all rotary positions of the valve disk 89, but that port 105 is only in communication with the passageway 105 when control disk 91 is rocked to the dot-and-dash position shown in Fig. 4A. This rocking is effected by operation of the cam 97, as above described.

A vacuum pump or other vacuum source may be connected to the control valve 85 by means of a flexible hose connection 108 in communication with the conduit 106 of valve disk 90. When the raised part of the cam 97 contacts with cam roller 99 the valve disk 91 will be positively rotated to close the valve, and when the raised part of the cam passes by the roller, valve disk 91 will be rotated in the opposite direction to open the valve, this opening movement being eiiected by means of a spring 98 or other suitable biasing means. It will thus be seen that the vacuum supply communicating with the die head conduits, will be controlled through the valve disk 91 under control of cam 97.

The blank transferring ejector It will be observed from Figs. 9, 13 and 18 that an ejector plate 109 is seated in the forward face of the die head 62, being preferably countersunk therein so that the outer face lies flush with the outer face of the die head. To this ejector plate is connected a longitudinally slidable rod or stem 110 extending centrally through the supporting spindle 70 and connected at its forward end to a link or sleeve 111 supported upon the end of spindle 70. As shown in Figs. 10 and 18, the stem 110 is nod to the sleeve 111 by means of a suitable securing device, and this sleeve is slidable upon the spindle 70, being opposed for movement in one direction by a coil spring 112 seated at one end against an annular seat formed on the spindle 70, and at the other end against the end of tubular sleeve 111. The sleeve is provided with a latch lug 113, which is preferably in the form of a circular disk as shown, and positioned for cooperation therewith is a pivoted latch 114 having an inclined face 115 positioned for engagement with the edge of the latch lug 113, Latch 114 is preferably made in two or more sections (Fig. 18) adjustably connected together so as to vary the effective length of the latch, and the latch is yieldingly held in operative position by means of an adjusting device 116.

The latch 114 is pivoted to a supporting bracket 117 mounted for vertical sliding movement upon the machine frame and being resisted against upward movement by a coil spring 113. The bracket 117 is moved upwardly at timed intervals by means of a cam 119 (Figs. 3 and 18) carried by cam shaft 37 and o eratively engaging a cam roller 129 mounted on the downwardly extending arm 121 of bracket 11?. This upward movement of the latch 11 1 releases its engagement with the latch lug 113. When the supporting spindle 7i) and die head 62 are longitudinally projected forwardly the latch disk 113 engages the inclined latch surface 115, causing the latch 11% to ride over the disk and assume a latching position with said disk when the supporting spindle moves versely. When the longitudir l retraction of the spindle takes place the lug 110 is engaged by the latch, thus stopping, for a short period, the re traction of the stem 119 and causing the ejector plate 109 to be relatively proje from the die head, thus forcing the box blank from its sup" ported position upon the die head. At the instant of blank ejection or slightly later, the earn 119 raises the latch 114, releasing its engagement with lug 113 and permitting the ejector plate 109 to be quickly retracted into its normal position by action of the coil spring 112.

The ejector plate 109 is preferably provided with a plurality of apertures 122 ertending therethrough, and the die head is also provided with corresponding apertures 123 extending entirely through the head. The apertures 122 are preferably difierently spaced than apertures 123, whereby at least one of the former apertures is always in registry with one of the latter apertures, even though the ejector plate may be rotated on its axis from its original position. Also when the ejector plate is assembled with the die head it need not, with the arrangement of holes mentioned, be specially adjusted in order to bring the holes in registering positions. These aligning apertures provide vents to permit passage of air as the blank is stripped from the die head, thus avoiding suction which might interfere with the free removal of the blank.

Application of the binding and finishing strip The binding or finishing strip S may be of an appropriate grade of paper or similar material and is preferably surfaced on one side to form the outer peripheral finishing surface of the finished box or box part. The finishing strip S may be supplied from a roll of such strip, the strip being advanced or fed at intervals into position with its free end lying adjacent to the blank supported upon the die head 62 at operative stage B, as shown in Fig. '7. Known types of strip feeding mechanism, synchronously operating with this machine, may be utilized, it is therefore not illustrated herein. This feeding mechanism preferably operates to feed the strip upwardly at intervals to the position mentioned, following severance of an advanced portion of the strip which has just been applied to the blank.

The mechanism for applying the strip to the blank, as best shown in Figs. '7 and 14, may include a supporting table 12a for the forward part of the strip which is fed into this position by the intermittently operating. feeding mechanism. As the strip is advanced to this position, either an adhesive is applied upon one side thereof or moisture is similarly applied to soften an adhesive gum or the like, with which the surface of the strip is coated. The gummed side of the strip is positioned for contacting with the outer surface of the blank supported upon the die head.

A supporting bracket 125 may be provided to support the table 124 and also to carry a supporting arm 126 to which is pivoted a rock arm 127, carrying at one end thereof a presser roller 128 positioned adjacent to the free end of the strip S and to the surface of the box blank. A spring 128 is connected to the opposite end of the rock arm 12?, being tensioned to urge the presser roller 128 upwardly, and thus yieldingly press the strip into adhering contact with the face of the tabs of the box blank supported upon the die head. A slotted link 129 is also connected to presser roll 128, and a swinging arm 130 carried by a stub shaft 131 is provided at its forward or free end with a pin 132 slida is in the slot of link 129 so as to provide a lost motion connection. A second stub shaft 133 is mounted adjacent and parallel to shaft 131, these shafts carrying intermeshed toothed gears 134, constraining the shafts to rotate in unison. A rock arm 135 is carried by shaft 133, having an upward extension carrying a strip-severing knife 136 positioned adjacent a transverse groove or depression 137 near the forward end of the strip supporting table 12 1. As the shaft 133 rotates to the left in Fig. '7, the knife 136 will therefore be carried downwardly into contact with the strip near the edge of the transverse groove 137 so as to sever the strip at this point.

To the lower end of rock arm 135 is connected a link 133 having a bifurcated end supported by the shaft 33 and carrying a cam roller 139 positioned for engagement with a cam 140 mounted on shaft 33. A tensioned spring 141 is connected to the lower end of the rock arm 135 so as to return the knife 136 to retracted position after a severing action thereof. By means of the connections described the cam 140 will cause the swinging arm 130 to be swung upwardly to free the presser roller 128 to action of spring 128 whereupon the roller is moved into contact with the strip by action of spring 128 At this moment the die head is quickly rotated through one complete revolution by means of the intermittent stop movement above described. The severing action of the knife is preferably so timed that the strip is severed at such a point thereof that the ends overlap to some extent when applied to the box blank. The strip will be fed forwardly by the strip feeding mechanism after retraction of the knife 136 and after the subsequent repositioning of the die head 62 prior to the beginning of a new cycle of operations.

The strip folding and smoothing mechanism The strip folding and smoothing mechanism or strip folder is disposed between the break-down frame and the blank holder at station E, indicated generally at 142, and its detailed construction is clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 9, while different op erative positions thereof are shown in Figs. 15, 16, 17, 19 and 20. The folder 142 comprises a movable supporting frame or carriage 1 13 reciprocally shiftable axially of the spindle 70, and provided at the lower part thereof with a laterally positioned supporting hub 144 provided with an aperture therethrough rotatably receiving a rotary dri e shaft 33 which thus functions as a supporting rail for the carriage. A support spaced from shaft 33 is also provided for the carriage 143, this being shown in the form of a longitudinally sliding plate 1 15 slidably mounted in a bed block 145 secured to the frame 25. The slide of plate 145 has a laterally extending arm 14'? with an upwardly disposed bifurcation 1 13 providing spaced lugs adapted to lie at both sides of the carriage frame so as to lock or couple the slide and frame against relative longitudinal movement when in engaged position. The carriage is provided at its lower part with one or more supporting bosses 149 resting upon the upper surface or" so as to provide a support for the carriage in coaxial relation to spindle 70. This method of supporting the carriage permits free longitudinal sliding movement thereof for positioning the folder in its various operative relations and also permits it manually to be swung or shifted laterally from operative position upon shaft 83 as a pivot as shown in dot-and-dash lines in 8. This lateral swinging movement of the carriage 143 provides a convenient arrangement for moving the operative elements thereof into and out of position coaxial with spindle i0 and away from other parts of the machine so that they are freely accessible for adjustment, repairs, etc.

The carriage supporting slide 1 15 is fitted at its forward end with a cam roller 15o (Figs. 11, and 15) positioned for operative engagement with a cam 151 mounted on cam shaft 37 and a tension spring 152 is connected to the slide whereby said slide is moved longitudinally in one direction by the cam and in the opposite direction by the spring. Through these connections the folder is longitudinally reciprocally positioned in timed coordination with other operative elements for performing various operations upon the box blank.

At its upper part the carriage or carriage plate 143 is provided with a transverse centrally disposed opening and positioned within this opening and mounted for radial r ciprocation therein are folding plates or fingers 158 shown as four in number, one for cooperation with each flap t or the box blank T. Each of th se folding plates is provided with a supporting stem 15 i engaging in guideways 155 attached to the carriage plate for slidably supporting the folding members in operative positions. To each stem 15 1 may be secured a pin or lug 156 engaging in radially disposed slot 157 formed in the carr'age plate 143. A fol-ding finger operating cam plate or ring 158 i mounted upon the carriage with its openin aligning with the opening through the carriage and supported in position by a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs 159 engaging in spaced arcuate slots 160. The cam ring 158 is also provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inclined cam slots 161, one slot being positionec adjacent to each of the pins 156 which extend through the respective slots 161. It will. thus be seen that rotary oscillation of the cam plate 158 will cause radial reciprocation in unison of the strip folding plates 153 toward away from the center of the aperture.

Rotary oscillation of the plate 158 is effected in timed sequence by means of a cam 162 having spaced lobes 163 and 164 each of which is positioned for operative engagement with a cam roller 165 carried by a rock arm 166 pivoted to the carriage. An adjustable link 16". connects the lever 166 to a lug 168 on the cam plate and a tensioned spring 169 is also connected to lug 168. When either of the cam lobes 163 or 16% engages the roller 165 the cam plate 158 will be rotated to full line position (Fig. 8) in which the folding plates 153 are retracted, while opposite rotation of the cam plate is effected by action of the spring 169 to yieldingly project the folding plates 153 radially inwardly whenever the depressed cam surfaces of cam 162 come into alignment with cam roller 165. When thus projected inwardly, the folding plates 153 are adapted to.

engage with the finishing strip S to exert folding action thereon as more clearly pointed out hereinafter.

As clearly shown in Figs. 15, 16, etc., each folding plate or finger 153 is provided with a forwardly extending section 170 having a strip engaging surface or edge and with a rearwardly extending section 171 having a similar strip engaging surface or edge. These operative edges of the strip folding plates are brought into cooperative relation at different periods with diiferent parts of the finishing strip to fold and press them against the surfaces of the blank as described more in detail below.

The blank transfer mechanism and blank holding device Blank transfer, supporting and holding mechanism indicated generally at 1'72 (Figs. 5, 19 and 17) is designed to transfer the box blank from its position on the die head 62 and to support it in a new operative position. This mechanism is mounted on a movable carriage 173 similar in some respects to carriage 143 above described, being connected to the rotary shaft 33 through a hub 17a in which the shaft is rotatable. This carriage is also swingable laterally upon the shaft 33 as a pivot to the position indicated by dot-and dash lines in Fi 5 and when swung into this position the operative elements of the carriage 173 are removed from position coaxial with spindie '76, and from proximity to the other operative elements of the machine, and adjustment and repairs may thus be easily and freely made. A second support spaced from the supporting shaft 33 is provided by a rail 175 upon which rests a roller 176 on the carriage. This construction provides supporting guideways upon which the carriage is supported for longitudinal movement in either direction.

Preferably the carriage 1'73 is in the form of a casting having a hub 177, and supported at the forward part of this hub is a vertically disposed plate 178 formed at its front surface with a centrally disposed recess 1'79. Blank gripping jaws or presser plates 180 are mounted adjacent this recess, each jaw being supported for radial sliding movement by means of a supporting stem 181 slidably mounted in guideways 182 attached to the supporting plate. A lug or pin 183 is fixed to each stem 181 extending through an adjacent radial slot 184 formed in the supporting plate 178. In the form shown the jaws 180 are four in number and arranged in quadrature for contacting respectively with the four sides of the square box to hold and press it.

For advancing and retracting the jaws 180 a cam plate or ring 185 similar to cam plate 158 is mounted upon supporting plate 178 for rotary movement by means of supporting pins 186 fixed in the supporting plate and fitted in circumferentially arranged arcuate slots 187. This cam plate is also provided with radially inclined cam slots 188 through which the pins 183 extend whereby rotary oscillation of the cam plate will cause radial reciprocation of the jaws 180. The cam plate 185 is operated to control the gripping and releasing action of the jaws 180 by means of a cam 189 cooperating with a cam roller 190 mounted on a link 191 connected to an operating arm 192 and positioned for rotating the cam plate in one direction. Therefore the jaws are positively retracted by operation of the cam and are yieldingly urged inwardly into blank gripping position by operation of spring 193.

Inasmuch as the carriage 173 is movable 1ongitudinally over a considerab e range the earn 189 is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement upon shaft 33, as shown in Figs. 2 and 17, but is constrained for rotation with said shaft by a longitudinal slot 194 in the shaft in which is received a lug formed on the cam supporting collar. The cam is slid longitudinally upon its supporting shaft with movement of the carriage 173 by means of a fork 195 mounted upon the carriage and having a bifurcation in a circumferential groove 196 formed in the cam collar.

Longitudinal reciprocation of the carriage 173 is effected by means of a mechanism best shown in Figs. 2, 5 and 9, and including a cam drum 197 having a peripheral cam slot 198 and mounted upon the cam shaft 33 for rotation therewith. A longitudinally slidable connecting pitman 199 carries a cam roller, and at a remote part thereof is connected to a block 201 longitudinally slidable in a supporting guideway 202 and having spaced upwardly extending lugs 203 for receiving therebetween a lug 2G4 mounted on the carriage 173. Longitudinal movement of the carriage is thus accomplished in timed coordination with movements of the die head 62, and of the former carriage 143. When the carriage 173 is swung laterally upon shaft 33 to the position indicated in dot-and-dash line Fig. 5, lug 204 will be swung from engaging position between lugs 203, thus permitting the carriage to be moved longitudinally independently of the pitman 199.

Blank ejector In connection with the carriage 173 a blank ejector may be provided operating automatically to eject the blank upon completion of the formative operations thereon. The embodiment of ejector disclosed, as best illustrated in Figs. 9 and 17, has an ejector or plunger including an ejector plate 205 in the path of a blank entering the holder. The plate 205 is normally positioned within the centrally disposed recess in the face of supporting plate 178, and supported by a stem 206 slidably supported in a sleeve 20'? mounted in a bore in the hub 177. Sleeve 207 is mounted for longitudinal sliding adjustment in the bore and may be longitudinally adjusted by means of a nut 29% threaded to the outer end of the sleeve Jhich extends loosely through an aperture in the rear end of hub 177. A compression spring 209 is positioned within the bore engaging between the end thereof and an annular lug upon the sleeve to urge the ejector plunger inwardly to its normal adjusted position, and also to permit yieldingly resisted retraction of said plunger. Such yielding retraction may occur, for example, when the plunger is engaged by the die head 62 in its forward movement. At its outer end the stem 206 is provided with an adjustable washer and nut 210, between which and the outer end of sleeve 20'? is interposed a compression spring 211, which tends to retract the ejector plate 295 to its extreme rearward position against the inner end of the sleeve.

A yielding tripping stop 212 is aligned with the rearward end of the ejector, being carried by an arm 213 attached to a standard 214. It will, therefore, be seen that retraction of the carriage to full line position, Fig. 9, or to dot-and-dash line position Fig. 17, will cause the ejector to be thrown forwardly so as to eject the completed box, or box part, 215, which at this time is released by opening movement of the jaws 180.

Operation The operation of the improved box machine will now be clear, in view of the foregoing disclosure, but for completeness, a general summary of a cycle of operations during the formation of a completed box part from a blank is given as follows:

The blank T having been introduced, as above described, into position in front of the die head 62 when retracted as in Fig. 9, the cam 79 immediately begins to project the die head forwardly carrying the blank through he aperture of the break-down frame 61, as shown at stage A, Fig. 13. The tabs t are engaged by the break-down spring plates 63, 6.) as the die head advances, and are folded downwardly and pressed and smoothed into close contact with the peripheral faces of the die head so as to overlie the pneumatic openings 68 therein which serve as grippers. As this pressing action upon the tabs occurs, the vacuum control valve 85 is opened by its operating mechanism, thus admitting the vacuum to the aperture 68, against which the tabs are tightly pressed forming air-tight contact with the surfaces of the die head. The air pressure at opposite sides of the tabs is thus unbalanced, forming what may be termed a vacuum grip or pneumatic grip, which functions to hold the tabs in smooth condition against the face surfaces of the die head. In this manner the tabs are retained in their folded position without engagement with the outer surface thereof by any holding means or mechanisms which might interfere with the winding or placing of the finishing strip 8 over this outer surface: in other words, the gripping mechanism is positioned entirely remote from the outer tab surfaces, leaving the latter free and unobstructed for the reception of the finishing and binding strip.

Advancement of the die head is continued until halted by action of cam 79 at stage B (Figs. 7 and 14) when the forward end of the strip S is pressed into adhering contact with the outer surface of the crimped tabs by action of the presser roll 128. At this point the intermittent stop gearing 12) becomes active to rapidly turn the die head through exactly one complete revo lution during which the gummed strip is constantly pressed into adhering contact by action of roller 128, and at the same time the strip is fed forwardly by the winding action caused by turning of the die head. The cutter 136 is operated to sever the strip at such a point that the strip ends overlap slightly when applied to the blank. The strip is thus wound entirely around the bent down tabs of the blank with its edges projecting both at the top and at the bottom of the partly formed box blank, and the wound strip restrains unfolding of the tabs t.

During the operation at stage (3, Figs. 15 and 16, the die head remains in the same position as in stage B, but the former or folder 142 is now moved forward slightly by action of the cam 151 and spring 152, the folding plates or fingers 153, being then in retracted position, as shown in Fig. 15. The folding plates are now projected inwardly, to the position shown in Fig. 16 by their operating mechanism, thus folding the projecting edges of strip S inwardly and pressing and smoothing them into adhering contact with the bottom of the partially formed box blank. Two of the opposed folding plates 15-3 constituting a pair are preferably set slightly in advance of the other pair so as to fold the strip edges at two opposite sides of the box blank slightly in advance of the folding action of the other two edges: in this manner clean smooth niiter folds of the strip are formed at the corxers. As soon as this folding action is completed, folding plates 153 are retracted to wide-open position by .ction of earn 162 and spring 169 (Fig. 8).

At this point the die head is again advanced by its operating cam '79 into operative stage D, and the supporting carriage 173 is at the same time advanced to the same operative stage from its dot-and-dash line position, Fig. 17, to the full line position there shown, the gripper jaws 180 then being in retracted position. The partially formed blank T upported on the die head 62 is thus brought into alignment with the jaws 180, which now close to grip the blank, also at the same time pressing and smoothing the strip S into close contact with the blank walls. The die head then begins its movement of retraction under action of its operating earn '29, rapidly assuming its initial position, as at the beginning of the cycle. After this re raction the strip S may be fed forwardly, assuming a position as at the beginning of th cycle, as shown in Figs. 7 and 13. At the initial stage of the die head retraction the vacuum controlling valve 85 is closed to discontinue the grip upon the blank, and at the same time the transfer ejector plate 109 is operated in the manner described, the result being that the partially formed blank '1' is transferred to the supporting carriage 173 and supported thereby in a new operative position with relation to the former 142. When the blank T is advanced for transfer to the carriage 173, the bottom may contact with the ejector plate 295, which may yieldingly retract slightly, as above described. Also this ejector plate may be large enough to contact with the folded edges of the strip for yieldingly smoothing and pressing them into close adhering contact with the bottom of the box blank.

While the blank is thus supported by jaws 180 adjacent to the former 142, the folding fingers 153 (Fig. 19) are again projected inwardly, bringing the operative faces 171 thereof against the forwardly projecting strip edges, bending them inwardly and pressing the inner adhesive faces thereof into adhering contact with the edges of the blank tabs which are now shaped to form the side walls of the box. While the folding fingers are thus inwardly projected the former 14.2 is moved toward the blank, as shown in Fig. 20. This action brings the operating edges or faces 171 cf the folding plates against the inwardly projecting strip edges to fold or turn the lat er inwardly and to press them into adhering contact with the inner surface of the box.

Both carriages 143 and 173 are now returned to initial positions, and during retraction of the carriage 173, as shown in Fig. 9, the ejector plate 205 is automatically projected forwardly, thus ejecting the completed box part 215 as the jaws 180 are released. The operative mechanisms of the machine are now in position for beginning a new cycle.

It will be observed that the operative movements of the die head 62 and of the carriages 1&3 and 173 are along parallel lines, and that the movements of the box body blank from one operative stage of the machine to another are in a substantially straight line: in other words, it is unnecessary that the blank be at any time transferred laterally. This improved arrangement results in a simple and compact machine operating with great accuracy and occupying relatively little factory floor space. Also, due to the swinging mountings of the carriages 143 and 173, the various parts of the mechanism are easily accessible for adjustment, repair, etc., which might otherwise be difficult because of the compact arrangement.

The corner-cut body blanks T (Fig. 21) are preferably weakened along the lines in to outline the head of the box, and to render the tab folding operation easier. The weak ning may be accomplished by continuously scoring the blank along the lines 20.

It will be observed that the break-clown frame, the strip-folders, and the cox holder are coaxial with the spindle 70, when in operative position, and that one of the strip folders is between the break-down frame and the box holder. Thus these several parts are positioned so that a straight line movement of the spind e carries the die-head into cooperative relation with the breakdown frame, the folders and the box holder, thereby enab ing the box to be completed and pressed and finished to shape, all by means of one die-head, and without lateral shift, which latter might tend to interfere with accurate positioning of important elements of the machine relative to each oth r. Also, the strip-folder and the box hclder may be positioned relatively close to each other so as to take up a relatively small space longitudinally of the spindle '70, this making for compact arrangement. It will be noted that the lateral manual shift movement permitted the box-holder and the strip folders enables these parts readily to be moved to one side from their positions coaxial with the spindle where they may be readily inspected and repaired, if necessary. Also these parts may be restored to accurate coaxial position merely by laterally shifting them until they are supported by their respective slides.

Thus by the above described constructions are accomplished, among others, the objects hereinbefore referred to.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction different embodiments of the invention could be made without from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described. and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a box making machine, in combination, a spindle adapted to be rotated and to be axially reciprocally shifted, a die head secured to said spindie to shift 't-herev' tn, adapted to support a blank, a breakdown frame an in enendent blank holder coaxial with said spindle and spaced apart axially o the path of head, a strip folder coaxial with said spindle and between said holder and breakdown frame, shift movement of said spindle being adapted to convey the blank through said breakdown frame and said strip folder, in the order named, into said holder, means adapted automatically to supply blanks between said breakdown frame and said head, said die head having pneumatic gripper ports adapted to grip a blank, means adapted automatically to energize and to deenergize said ports at predetermined intervals in the operation of the machine, means adapted to apply a finishing strip for winding on a blank held on said head by said ports, means adapted axially reciprocally to shift said spindle, and means adapted to rotate said head at an interval of its shift path.

2. In a box machine, in combination, a spindle adapted to be rotated and to be axially reciprocally shifted, a die head secured to said spindle to :Llllfll therewith, adapted to support a blank, a breakdown frame and an independent blank holder coaxial with said spindle and spaced apart axially of the path of said head, a strip folder coaxial with said spindle and between said holder and breakdown frame, shift movement of said spindle being adapted to convey the blank through said breakdown frame and said strip folder, in the order named, into said holdenmeans adapted automatically to supply blanks between said breakdown frame and said head, said die head having pneumatic gripper ports adapted to grip a blank, means adapted automaticallyto energize and to deenergize said ports'at predetermined intervals in the operation of the machine, means adapted to apply a finishing strip for winding on a blank held on said head by said ports, means adapted axially reciprocally to shift said spindle, and means adapted to rotate said head-at an interval of its shift path, said ports being energized to grip a blank folded against the peripheral face of said head by said breakdown frame and to maintain the grip during winding of the finishing strip on said fold.

3. In a box making machine, in combination, a spindle adapted to be rotated and to be axially reciprocally shifted, a die head secured to said spindle to shift therewith, adapted to support a blank, a breakdown frame and a blank holder coam'a'l with said spindle and spaced apart axially of the path of said head, a .strip folder coaxial with said spindle and between said holder and breakdown frame, shift movement of said spindle being adapted to convey the blank through said breakdown frame and said strip folder, in the order named, into said holder, means adapted automatically to supply blanks between said breakdown frame and said head, said die head having pneumatic gripper ports adapted to grip a blank, means adapted automatically to energize and to deenergize said ports at predetermined intervals in the operation of the machine, means adapted to apply a finishing strip for winding on a blank held on said head by said ports, means adapted axially reciprocally to shift said spindle, and means adapted to rotate said head at an interval of its shift path, said strip folder including folding fingers, and means adapted to cause relative reciprocal movement axially of said spindle between said fingers and said holder to cause said fingers to enter and leave said holder.

4. In a box making machine, in combination, a spindle adapted to be rotated and to be axially reciprocally shifted, a die head secured to said spindle to shift therewith, adapted to support a blank, a breakdown frame and a blank holder coaxial with said spindle and spaced apart axially of the path of said head, a strip folder coaxial with said spindle and between said holder and breakdown frame, shift movement of said spindle being adapted to convey the blank through said breakdown frame and said strip folder, in the order named, into said holder, means adapted automatically to supply blanks between said breakdown frame and said head,

said die head having pneumatic gripper ports adapted to grip a blank, means adapted automatically to energize and to deenergize said ports at predetermined intervals in the operation of the machine, means adapted to apply a finishing strip for winding on a blank held on said head by said ports, means adapted axially reciprocally to shift said spindle, and means adapted to rotate said head at an interval of its shift path, said blank holder having a blank ejector in the path of the incoming blank, a spring on said holder adapted to cause said ejector yieldingly to oppose the incoming blank, means adapted, at intervals, to impart reciprocal movement axially of said spindle to said blank holder, means whereby axial movement of said holder away from said spindle is adapted to thrust said ejector outwardly, and a second spring on said holder for thrusting said ejector inwardly.

5. In a box making machine, in combination, a spindle adapted to be rotated and to be axially reciprocally shifted, a die head secured to said spindle to shift therewith, adapted to support a blank, a breakdown frame and a blank holder coaxial with said spindle and spaced apart axially of the path of said head, a strip folder coaxial with said spindle and between said holder and breakdown frame, shift movement of said spindle being adapted to convey the blank through said breakdown frame and said strip folder, in the order named, into said holder, means adapted automatically to supply blanks between said breakdown frame and said head, said die head having pneumatic gripper ports adapted to grip a blank, means adapted automatically to energize and to deenergize said ports at predetermined intervals in the operation of the machine, means adapted to apply a finishing strip for winding on a blank held on said head by said ports, means adapted axially reciprocally to shift said spindle, and means adapted to rotate said head at an interval of its shift path, said blank holder being pivotedfor manual shift laterally of said axis into and outof position coaxial with said spindle.

6. In a box making machine, in combination, a spindle adapted to be rotated and to be axially reciprocally shifted, a die head secured to said spindle to shift therewith, adapted to support a blank, a breakdown frame and a blank holder coaxial with said spindle and spaced apart axially of the path of said head, a strip folder coaxial with said spindle and between said holder and breakdown frame, shift movement of said spindle being adapted to convey the blank through said breakdown frame and said strip folder, in the order named, into said holder, means adapted automatically to supply blanks between said breakdown frame and said head, said die head having pneumatic gripper ports adapted to grip a blank, means adapted automatically to energize and to deenergize said ports at predetermined intervals in the operation of the machine, means adapted to apply a finishing strip for winding on a blank held on said head by said ports, means adapted axially reciprocally to shift said spindle, and means adapted to rotate said head at an interval of its shift path, said blank holder being pivoted for manual shift laterally of said axis into and out of position coaxial with said spindle, and a carriage reciprocally movable axially of said spindle adapted to arrest said holder in said coaxial position, said carriage and holder being detachably coupled and uncoupled by said pivotal movement of said holder.

'7. In a box making machine, in combination, a spindle adapted to be rotated and to be axially reciprocally shifted, a die head secured to said spindle to shift therewith, adapted to support a blank, a breakdown frame and a blank holder coaxial with said spindle and spaced apart axially of the path of said head, a strip folder coaxial with said spindle and between said holder and breakdown frame, shift movement of said spindle being adapted to convey the blank through said breakdown frame and said strip folder, in the order named, into said holder, means adapted automatically to supply blanks between said breakdown frame and said head, said die head having pneumatic gripper ports adapted to grip a blank, means adapted automatically to energize and to deenergize said ports at predetermined. intervals in the operation of the machine, means adapted to apply a finishing strip for winding on a blank held on said head by said ports, means adapted axially reciprocally to shift said sp ndle, means adapted to rotate said head at an interval of its shift path, two carriages, means adapted reciprocally to shift said carriages axially of said spindle relative to each other, said blank holder and said strip folder being shiftable with said carriages respectively.

8. In a box making machine, in combination, a spindle adapted to be rotated and to be axially reciprocally shifted, a die head secured to said spindle to shift therewith, adapted to support a blank, a breakdown frame and a blank holder coaxial with said spindle and spaced apart axially of the path of said head, a strip folder coaxial with said spindle and between said holder and breakdown frame, shift movement of said spindle being adapted to convey the blank through said breakdown frame and said strip folder, in the order named, into said holder, means adapted automatically to supply blanks between said breakdown frame and said head, said die head having pneumatic gripper ports adapted to grip a blank, means adapted automatically to energize and to deenergize said ports at predetermined intervals in the operation of the machine, means adapted to apply a finishing strip for winding on a blank held on said head by said ports, means adapted axially reciprocally to shift said spindle, and means adapted to rotate said head at an interval of its shift path, two carriages, means adapted reciprocally to shift said carriages axially of said spindle relative to each other, said blank holder and said strip folder being shiftable with said carriages respectively, and means supporting said blank holder and said strip folder for manual movement laterally of said axis into and out of sup porting position on their respective carriages.

9. In a box machine, in combination, a die head adapted to support a folded blank, means adapted to rotate said head to Wind a strip on the folded blank, a reciprocally movable strip presser roller and a reciprocally movable strip severing knife, a spring adapted to move the roller to press the strip against the blank on the die head, and means including intermeshing gears, and a cam operatively connected to rotate said gears and effect severing action of said knife and retraction of said presser roller.

10. In a box machine, in combination, a die head adapted to support a folded blank, means adapted to rotate said head to wind a strip on the folded blank, a reciprocally movable strip presser roller and a reciprocally movable strip severing knife, a spring adapted to move the roller to press the stripagainst the blank on the die head, a connecting link actuated by one of said gears having lost motion connection with said roller, a rock arm actuated by the other of said gears and carrying said knife, a second link operatively connected to oscillate said last mentioned gear, and a cam adapted to oscillate said second link.

11. In a box making machine, in combine.- tion, a movable support for a box blank, a former for performing a formative operation on a blank and being movable approximately parallel to the movement of said support, and a second blank support adapted to grip and support the said blank independently of said first mentioned support and being movable approximately parallel to the movements of said first mentioned blank support and of said former, said second mentioned blank support and said former being movable into juxtaposition with each other whereby the blank may be supported by said second mentioned support during operation thereon by said former.

12. In a box machine, in combination, a former including a plurality of movable strip folding members, each including a plate having a forward and a rearward strip folding part, each of said rearward strip folding parts having angularly disposed relatively stationary strip engaging faces, means for effecting a folding action by said forward strip folding parts to fold one edge of a strip into adhering contact with a box blank, and mechanism for sequentially relatively moving said box blank and said folding members along angularly disposed paths to bring said angularly disposed folding faces successively into folding engagement with another edge of said strip to fold it against one part of the box blank and then against the inner surface thereof.

13. In a box machine, in combination, a movable support for a box blank, a carriage, a box forming mechanism supported by said carriage and positioned in the path of movement of said blank support, a second carriage, a blank sup port carri d by said second carriage, means to transfer said blank from said first blank support to said second blank support, and means to effect relative movement between said first carriage and said second carriage so as to position a blank supported by said second blank support in cooperative position with said box forming mechanism.

14. In a box machine, in combination, a blankshaping die head for receiving a blank, a pneumatic gripping device for holding the blank in position on said shaping head during a box forming operation upon said blank, forming means for effecting a forming operation upon said blank, a second support for said blank positioned at the opposite side of said forming means from said first mentioned support, mechanism for transferring said blank from said head to said blank sup port, and means for releasing said pneumatic gripping device as the blank is transferred to said second blank support.

15. In a box machine, in combination, mechanism for performing formative operations upon a box blank at different successive stages, said mechanism including a plurality of carriages mounted for movement with reference to each other along parallel lines, a plurality of separate blank supporting means including one of said carriages for separately supporting said blank at different stages for formative operations thereon, and means for relatively moving carriages in said parallel lines to position them in cooperative relation with the blank during formative operations thereon in the different respective stages.

16. In a box machine, in combination, a die head for receiving .a box blank, mechanism for performing formative operations upon a "box blank at different successive stages, said mechanism including a plurality of carriages mounted for relative movement with reference to each other along parallel lines to bring them into cooperative relation with each other, blank supporting means mounted on one of said carriages for supporting a blank during an operation thereon, means for transferring the blank from said head to said blank supporting means, means for operating said blank forming mechanism to operate upon a blank carried by said blank supporting means, means for relatively moving said carriages in said parallel lines to position them for cooperation with the blank, a blank ejector mounted on the carriage carrying said blank supporting means, and means for automatically operating said ejector during movement of the carriage.

1'7. In a box machine, in combination, a die head for receiving a box blank, forming mecha nism for performing formative operations upon a box blank at different successive stages, said mechanism including a plurality of carriages mounted for relative movement with reference to each other along parallel lines to bring them into cooperative relation with each other, blank supporting means mounted on one of said carriages for supporting a blank independently of said die head during an operation thereon, means for transferring the blank from said head to said blank supporting means, means for operating said blank forming mechanism to operate upon a blank carried by said blank supporting means, and means for relatively moving said carriages in said parallel lines to position them for cooperation with the blank.

18. In a box machine, in combination, mechanism for performing formative operations upon a box blank at different successive stages, said mechanism including a plurality of carriages mounted for movement with reference to each other along parallel lines, spaced supports for supporting said carriages for translatory movement with reference to each other, and one of sai' carriages being swingable upon one of said spaced supports.

19. In a box machine, in combination, a blank shaping head upon which the blank may be supported, a blank support, means for transferring the blank from said head to said support, a yieldingly supported plate positioned to press against the blank as the latter is transferred from the shaping head to said blank support and to position the blank in said blank support, and a blank ejector mounted upon said head and cooperating to hold the blank against said plate as the blank is transferred from said head.

20. In a box machine, in combination, a blank shaping head upon which a blank may be supported, a longitudinally movable supporting spindle for said head, an ejector plate positioned upon said head, an operating link connected to said ejector plate, a sleeve surrounding said supporting spindle and connected to said link, a resilient connection between said sleeve and said spindle to permit relative movement thereof, a latch lug carried by said sleeve, a latch cooperat ing with said latch lug to check movement of said ejector plate during movement of said head and spindle, and means to release said latch after a predetermined movement of said head.

21. In a box machine, in combination, means for applying a strip to a partially formed blank with edges projecting at both sides of the blank, a strip folder, independent supporting means positioned at opposite sides of said folder for supporting the blank in different positions with relation to the folder, means for transferring a blank from one of said supporting means to another, means for moving said independent supporting means and said folder relatively to each other along parallel lines to bring the blank, when held by either of said independent :supporting means, into cooperative folding relation with said folder, and means for operating said folder sequentially to fold the projecting strip edges at one side and then at the other side of the blank.

22. In a box machine, in combination, a former for performing formative operations upon a blank, a support for supporting a blank during a formative operation thereon by said former, a second support for supporting said blank during a second formative operation thereon, means for transferring the blank after said first operation thereon from said first to said second support, said former being operative to perform another formative operation on the blank after transfer thereof by said transfer means, and means for moving said first and second supports and said former along parallel lines to bring the blank, when held by either of said first or second supports, into cooperative folding relation with said former.

23. In a box machine, in combination, a former for folding a strip in position on a box blank, means for effecting successive folding actions by said former to successively fold opposite edges of said strip into adhering contact with the blank, independent supports for supporting the box blank at different times during said folding actions, means for moving said independent supports toward and away from each other along parallel lines, and mechanism for transferring the box blank from one said support to another between said successive folding actions thereon.

24. In a box machine, in combination, a former including a plurality of movable strip folding members each including a strip folding plate having a forward and a rearward strip folding part, one of said parts of each folding plate having strip engaging faces angularly disposed to each other, means for effecting folding action by certain of said strip folding parts to fold one edge of a strip into contact with a box blank, means for effecting folding action of another of said strip folding parts to bring certain of the strip engaging faces thereof into engagement with another edge of said strip to fold the latter against said blank, means for effecting subsequent strip folding action to bring the angularly disposed strip engaging faces of said other strip folding parts into engagement with the last mentioned strip edge to fold it against the blank at a different part, separate supports for supporting said box blank during said folding operations thereon, and means for transferring the box blank from one of said supports to another.

25. In a box machine, in combination, a former including a plurality of movable strip folding members, each including a strip folding plate having a forward and rearward strip folding part,

said strip folding parts being spaced apart in the direction of their movement, one of said strip folding parts of each folding plate having strip engaging faces angularly disposed to each other, mechanism for controlling said strip folding members to bring said folding parts into strip folding relation including a device for bringing the first of said strip engaging faces into engagement with a strip edge to turn it into one position against a box blank, and means for bringing the second of said strip engaging faces which are angularly disposed to said first faces into engagement with said strip edge to turn it into another position against said box blank.

26. In a box machine, in combination, a movable carrier for transferring a box blank along a substantially rectilinear path, a former including a plurality of strip folding members each including a strip folding plate having a forward and a rearward strip folding part, one of said strip folding parts of each folding plate having strip engaging faces angularly disposed to each other, each of said folding plates havhig one of its strip engaging faces positioned substantially parallel to said path, means for moving said strip folding plates inwardly for bringing the first of said strip engaging faces into en agement with a strip edge to turn it into one position against a box blank and means for relatively moving said carrier and said strip folding plates when the latter are inwardly moved to press the faces thereof which are parallel to said path into engagement with the said strip edge to turn it into another position against said box blank.

HARRY K. DICKERMANN. JQHN W. MCCARTHY. 

